Influenza illnesses are increasing and health officials at the Washington State Department of Health urge Washingtonians to get a flu shot now. Officials also want people to avoid spreading the flu and to know when it’s okay to be cared for at home and when they should get medical care.

Digital apps have long existed to help people lose weight or track exercise, and now, developers are providing new high-tech ways for those living with chronic pain to track key measures of their conditions – providing a solution to one of the biggest challenges patients face.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a public health alert for possible Listeria contamination of poultry products produced by Mary’s Harvest Fresh Foods of Portland, Ore.

State health officials are already seeing influenza cases across the state, and they expect the number to rise in the coming weeks. People are urged to get a flu shot now as the best line of defense against flu.

The need for more doctors is being felt all over the county and helping to clear the path for potential medical persons is the Masters of Arts Medical Sciences program being offered at Heritage University in collaboration with the Pacific Northwest University.